Last Monday, we discussed key elements from the 2024 budget announcement and how they may impact Local Authorities, specifically the Revenues and Benefits departments. Paul Howarth provided an excellent summary, which you can find in the recording, and there is additional information in the slide pack, plus links to key documents on our website.
My take on the budget was that there was a lot of emphasis on improving productivity through AI, particularly in AI projects for a number of government departments, especially the NHS. Moreover, councils will be expected to produce a plan showing how they will achieve more with less by using AI.
I have several concerns about this as a plan to improve productivity and, ultimately, the economy. First, the term “AI” is used very liberally but does not mean much. Second, much of what is touted as AI comprises old technologies—mutton posing as lamb. Third, a lot of what the Chancellor was overly excited about looked like major projects, and, by my reckoning, the last major project successfully delivered by a government in the UK was the Leeds to Liverpool canal system. Fourth, what is driving the current excitement about AI is generative AI. Anyone who has used it will know that a lot of training is required for both the software and the users before it will be widely used and useful. In the wrong hands, these systems can produce a mountain of well-written nonsense.
Next Monday, we are going to discuss the Household Fund, what we are going to do with it for six months, and what happens afterwards.
The recording can be accessed from https://bit.ly/VNR240311. While the slide pack, files and reports can be downloaded below.
Files and reports to be downloaded:
Please note that the handout contains additional slides covering other items of interest in the news and job adverts, which are provided in partnership with Business Smart (https://www.businesssmartsolutions.co.uk/).